The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic gave rise to further gender inequalities and women's loss of means of livelihood, thereby adding to the menace of poverty among the vulnerable group and survivors of gender-based violence. These problems will likely linger in the long run with more complicated adverse multiplier effects if not addressed. Therefore, there is a need to not only train GBV survivors but also empower them in modern self-employability and creative entrepreneurial business.

As part of an effort to empower GBV survivors, UNFPA, with the support of the Spotlight initiative, implemented an integrated approach to life skills and 21st-century entrepreneurship training for young vulnerable women and girls called the STEAM Flagship Program. It is a six months training program in manufacturing, business management, use of information technology, networking with access to the export market, decision making, confidence building, SRHR information and strategies to prevent sexual and gender-based violence and harmful practices for GBV survivors, including women with disabilities.

Mainstreaming the SGBV learning into the women and girls empowerment training was a practical and sustainable approach to provide women with enhanced knowledge and capacity than sentiments towards ending all forms of Violence Against Women and Girls. In addition, the participants learned how to operate and handle physical equipment, machines, and processes from the people who manage the equipment. Also, they learned about the entire value chain in the industry, obtained skills in bag-making and familiarised themselves with the effective use of machines and working tools for bag-making. They also gained life-building skills, digital marketing and business management knowledge. The course aimed to increase livelihood opportunities and self-esteem as well as understand GBV, including sexual violence and SRHR. 

SRHR Information

Technology skills for sales and marketing

Ending violence against women and Harmful practices information

Accounting and business management skills

Manufacturing and start-up support